In rehearsal his dancing partner and instructor Karina Smirnoff recognized that Ralph ignited when he demonstrated karate. She built his Karate Kid moves into the dance piece.
When, in the actual performance, Karina slips on Ralph's long coat and falls, Ralph reaches out to her, pulls her back up, helps her find her footing and together they dance with a never-before-seen passion and connection. Watching Ralph take the lead in this way and then seeing the couple dance so beautifully after the fall, really speaks to the trust and belief they have in each other. Karina recognized Ralph's strength and her fall, although unintentional, allows him to find his voice on the dance floor. It was a beautiful moment of a teacher empowering her student and receiving support in return.
